Dual clutch arrangement with two piece main rotating manifold

ABSTRACT

A clutch apparatus includes a clutch pack including a plurality of friction disks having friction surfaces. The clutch pack may include a plurality of cooling inlets. The clutch pack may selectively transfer torque from a torque supplying member to a torque receiving member. The clutch apparatus may include a rotating manifold having at least a first cooling port for directing a cooling fluid to the clutch pack and at least a portion of the rotating manifold may be coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the friction disks. A fluid-flow area of at least a subset of the plurality of cooling inlets may be dissimilar from other of the plurality of cooling inlets for enabling a desired fluid flow to the friction disks.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/241,020, filed on Sep. 29, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/694,513, filed Mar. 30, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to clutches for torque transmission.

BACKGROUND

Twin-clutch, twin-shaft, dual shaft, or dual clutch transmissions of the alternating shifting type are well known in the prior art. Various types of twin clutch transmissions have been proposed and put into practical use, particularly in the field of wheeled motor vehicles. Traditional twin clutch transmissions are of a type in which gears are parted into two groups, each group having an individual main clutch, so that the operative condition of each group of gears is carried out by selectively engaging a corresponding main clutch. Twin clutch transmissions are used in vehicles to improve the transition from one gear ratio to another and, in doing so, improve the efficiency of the transmission. The gears of each group are typically individually engaged so as to rotatably connect a transmission input shaft to a transmission output shaft for transmitting torque at differing ratios. The differing ratios may be engaged by multiple shift clutches.

In such transmissions, the main section may be shifted by means of a shift control system. Typical shift control systems include multiple actuators for engaging and disengaging the multiple shift clutches. The actuators may be pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic, and typically, one double acting actuator controls each shift clutch. The shift control system may also include a control logic for controlling the engagement of the main clutches, and the shift clutches to provide a desired gear ratio during vehicle operation. Generally, one ratio for each group may be simultaneously engaged with only one main clutch engaged during vehicle operation. To complete a shift in a dual clutch transmission, the engaged main clutch is disengaged as the disengaged main clutch is engaged. Accordingly, the disengaged group may be reconfigured as the engaged shift clutch is disengaged while another shift clutch of the group is engaged to provide a higher or low gear ratio to complete the next main clutch disengage/engage process.

A typical dual clutch is illustrated in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,850, to Hughes, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Many main clutches include clutch packs, having a plurality of clutch disks, for engaging and disengaging each gear group with the engine. Cooling of these clutch packs have been limited to supplying a cooling oil to the clutch packs, to prevent overheating of the friction surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, illustrative embodiments are shown in detail. Although the drawings represent some embodiments, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated, removed, or partially sectioned to better illustrate and explain the present invention. Further, the embodiments set forth herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limit or restrict the claims to the precise forms and configurations shown in the drawings and disclosed in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a transmission and twin clutch arrangement according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a twin clutch arrangement according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of portion 4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of cooling the clutch of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view of a twin clutch arrangement according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion 8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the clutch of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the clutch of FIG. 7, taken from roughly the same view as FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the portion of FIG. 9 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the portion of FIG. 9 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a powertrain system 20 is shown in accordance with an embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the powertrain system 20 includes a prime mover 22, such as a spark-ignited or compression-ignited internal combustion engine, and a transmission 24. A shift control system 26 operates to engage and disengage gear ratios within the transmission 24, as discussed in greater detail below. A main clutch assembly 28 is positioned between the prime mover 22 and transmission 24 to selectively engage/disengage the prime mover 22 from transmission 24.

In an embodiment, powertrain system 20 also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 30 for controlling operation of the prime mover 22, main clutch assembly 28, and transmission 24. In an implementation of the invention, ECU 30 may include a programmable digital computer that is configured to receive various input signals, including without limitation, the operating speed of the prime mover 22, transmission input speed, selected transmission ratio, transmission output speed and vehicle speed, and processes these signals accordingly to logic rules to control operation of powertrain system 20. For example, ECU 30 may be programmed to deliver fuel to the prime mover 22 when the prime mover 22 functions as an internal combustion engine. To support this control, each of the prime mover 22, and main clutch assembly 28 may include its own control system (not shown) contained within ECU 30. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any particular type or configuration of ECU 30, or to any specific control logic for governing operation of powertrain system 20.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a transmission output rotation from an output shaft, or output member, 32 is distributed to wheels 34 through a drive shaft 36 and a differential 38.

Referring to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a transmission and clutch arrangement for use in the powertrain system 20 is shown, although other types of

In the illustrated embodiment, transmission 24 includes a first input shaft 40, a second input shaft 42, a countershaft 44 that extends substantially parallel with first and second input shafts 40 and 42, and a plurality of gears which are arranged on and/or around shafts 40, 42 and 44. Although shafts 40, 42 and 44 are illustrated as being mounted in a common plane in FIG. 2, these shafts may be arranged in different planes.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, first input shaft 40 is connectable to an output member 46 of the prime mover 22, such as a flywheel, through a first main clutch C1 that is used to establish even speed gearing (viz., second speed gearing, fourth speed gearing and reverse gearing), while second input shaft 42 is connectable to flywheel 46 through a second main clutch C2 that is used for establishing odd speed gearing (viz., first speed gearing, third speed gearing and fifth speed gearing). In an embodiment of the invention, first and second main clutches C1 and C2 are of a normally ON type, which assumes the ON (viz., engaged) state due to a biasing force of a spring and the like under a normal condition and establishes the OFF (viz., disengaged) state due to work of a hydraulic or electric actuator upon receiving a given instruction. Engagement and disengagement of first and second main clutches C1, C2 may function automatically under the control of ECU 30, and without intervention of a vehicle driver, when powertrain systems operates like an “automatic” transmission.

To first input shaft 40 there are connected a 2nd speed input gear 48, a 4th speed input gear 50 and a reverse input gear 52, such that gears 48, 50 and 52 rotate together with first input shaft 40. Similarly, to second input shaft 42 there are connected a 5th speed input gear 54, a 3rd speed input gear 56 and a 1st speed input gear 58, such that gears 54, 56 and 58 rotate together with second input shaft 42. The number of input gears provided on first and second input shafts is not limited to the number schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, and may include more or less input gears depending on the number of ratios desired in the transmission. The term “gear,” as stated herein, is used to define the toothed wheels schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, as well as manufacturing the toothed features of the wheels directly into first and second input shafts 40, 42 and countershaft 44.

To countershaft 44 there are rotatably connected a 1st speed output gear 62, a 3rd speed output gear 64, a 5th speed output gear 66, a reverse output gear 68, a 2nd speed output gear 70 and a 4th speed output gear 72. Thus, output gears 62-72 rotate around countershaft 44. Like input gears 48-58, the number of output gears provided on countershaft 44 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 2.

Referring still to FIG. 2, 1st speed output gear 62, 3rd speed output gear 64 and 5th speed output gear 66 are meshed with 1st speed input gear 58, 3rd speed input gear 56 and 5th speed input gear 54, respectively. Similarly, reverse output gear 68, 2nd speed output gear 70, and 4th speed output gear 72 are meshed with reverse input gear 52 (through idler 94), 2nd speed input gear 48, and 4th speed input gear 50, respectively. In another embodiment, transmission 24 may include a second countershaft (not shown) that includes one or more of the output gears rotatably disposed on first countershaft 44.

To countershaft 44 there is also integrally connected a final drive pinion gear 73 that rotates together with countershaft 44. Final drive pinion 73 is arranged perpendicular to an axis of a rotational output member 74, such as a final drive ring gear, and is meshed with output member 74. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a transmission output rotation from drive pinion 73 to output member 74 is distributed to wheels 34 through a drive shaft 36 and a differential 38.

Referring again to FIG. 2, transmission 24 also includes axially moveable clutches 82, 84, 86 and 88, such as synchronized single or double acting dog-type clutches, which are splined to countershaft 44 for rotation therewith. Clutch 82 is moveable by a conventional shift fork (not shown) in an axial direction toward main clutch assembly 28 to fix countershaft 44 for rotation with 1st speed output gear 62. Similarly, clutch 84 may be moved in opposite axial directions to rotationally fix output gear 64 or output gear 66 to countershaft 44. Clutch 86 may be selectively moved in opposite axial directions to rotationally fix output gear 68 or output gear 70 to countershaft 44. Clutch 88 may be moved in an axial direction toward main clutch assembly 28 to fix countershaft 44 for rotation with output gear 72. In another embodiment of the invention, clutches 82, 84, 86 and 88 may also be provided on first and second input shafts 40, 42 to engage and disengage gears rotatably supported on input shafts 40, 42 in a manner substantially similar to the manner in which the gears are engaged on countershaft 44.

In an embodiment of the invention, transmission 24 also includes axially moveable input shaft clutches 90 and 92, such as synchronized single acting dog-type clutches, which are splined to first input shaft 40 for rotation therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, clutch 90 may be moved in an axial direction toward main clutch assembly 28 to fix first input shaft 40 for rotation with second input shaft 42. Similarly, clutch 92 may be moved in an axial direction away from main clutch assembly 28 to fix first input shaft 40 for rotation with output member 74.

As described above, ECU 30 delivers commands to the components of powertrain system 20 based on the receipt and evaluation of various input signals. These commands may include gear ratio interchange commands to a shift control device that indirectly moves clutches 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 to establish the gear ratios between first and second input shafts 40, 42 and countershaft 44. The shift control system 26 may be a conventional device, or any other suitable device that controls the axial position of each of clutches 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92.

Operation of hybrid powertrain system 20 will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. In a first mode of operation employed during vehicle launch and acceleration, first and second main clutches C1 and C2 are initially disengaged and clutch 82 is moved leftward from the neutral position shown in FIG. 2, so that 1st speed output gear 62 is fixed to countershaft 44 by clutch 82. Upon this movement, power from prime mover 22 may be transmitted to countershaft 44 by engaging second main clutch C2. The power applied to second input shaft 42 is transmitted through 1st speed input gear 58 to countershaft 44 through 1st speed output gear 62, and then to final drive pinion 73 so that a first speed ratio is established in transmission 24.

As the vehicle accelerates and the second speed ratio is desired, clutch 86 is moved rightward from the neutral position shown in FIG. 2, so that 2nd speed output gear 70 is fixed to countershaft 44 by clutch 86. The engagement of clutch 86 occurs while first main clutch C1 is disengaged and no power is being transmitted from prime mover 22 to first input shaft 40. Once clutch 86 is engaged, the currently engaged second main clutch C2 is disengaged while simultaneously or nearly simultaneously engaging first main clutch C1. The resulting power applied to first input shaft 40 is transmitted through 2nd speed input gear 48 to countershaft 44 through 2nd speed output gear 70, and then to final drive pinion 73 so that a second speed ratio is established in transmission 24. This process is repeated, including the selective activation of the appropriate clutch, in the same manner for up-shifting through the remaining gear ratios, and in a reverse manner for down-shifting from one gear ratio to another.

To achieve the reverse gear in transmission 24, first and second main clutches C1 and C2 are disengaged and clutch 86 is moved leftward from the neutral position shown in FIG. 2, so that reverse output gear 68 is fixed to countershaft 44 by clutch 86. The power applied to first input shaft 40 is transmitted from reverse input gear 52 to countershaft 44 through an idler gear 94 and reverse output gear 68, and then to final drive pinion 73.

Under a normal operating state, wherein transmission 24 assumes a certain speed gearing, both first and second main clutches C1 and C2 may be kept in their engaged conditions while one of clutches 82, 84, 86, and 88 is kept at a given power transmitting position. For example, when transmission 24 assumes the 5th speed ratio, both first and second main clutches C1 and C2 may be engaged while clutch 84 is engaged with 5th speed output gear 66 and clutches 82, 86 and 88 are in their neutral position shown in FIG. 2. Although first and second main clutches are engaged, no power is transmitted through the unselected output gears 62, 64, 68, 70 and 72 because the output gears are free to rotate on countershaft 44 when not engaged by a corresponding clutch 82, 86 or 88.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, gears 58 and 62 establish a “low” gear ratio between second input shaft 42 and countershaft 44 when clutch 82 fixes gear 62 for rotation with countershaft 44. Gears 54 and 66 establish a “high” gear ratio between second input shaft 42 and countershaft 44 when clutch 84 fixes gear 66 for rotation with countershaft 44.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the main clutch assembly 28 includes a housing 100, a damper 102, a clutch collar 104, a clutch hub portion 106, a first clutch drum 108, a second clutch drum 110, a main clutch drum 112, a first piston assembly 114, and a second piston assembly 116. The clutch hub portion 106 may operate as a rotating manifold for directing fluid toward the clutches C1 and C2, as discussed in greater detail below.

The housing 100 is connected to a portion of the transmission 24 and the prime mover 22. In the embodiment illustrated, the damper 102 is a lubricated noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) damper for reducing at least undesired drivetrain torque oscillations and other vibrations. The clutch hub portion 106 is coupled to an inner portion of the damper 102 for rotation therewith. The main clutch drum 112 is coupled to an outer portion of the damper 102 for rotation therewith.

In the embodiment illustrated, the clutch hub portion 106 includes a plurality of annular first hub disks 122 and a plurality of annular second hub disks 124 extending radially therefrom. The first clutch drum 108 includes a plurality of annular first drum disks 128 extending radially therefrom. The second clutch drum 110 includes a plurality of annular second drum disks 130 extending radially therefrom. The first hub disks 122 are stacked with the first drum disks 128, and the second hub disks 124 are interleaved with the second drum disks 130, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged portion of the main clutch assembly 28 of FIG. 3. As best seen in FIG. 4, the first hub disks 122 include a first pressure plate 140, a first hub first disk 142, a first hub second disk 144, a first hub third disk 146, and a first reaction plate 148. The second hub disks 124 include a second pressure plate 150, a second hub first disk 152, a second hub second disk 154, a second hub third disk 156, and a second reaction plate 158. The first drum disks 128 include a first drum first disk 162, a first drum second disk 164, a first drum third disk 166, and a first drum fourth disk 168. The second drum disks 130 include a second drum first disk 172, a second drum second disk 174, a second drum third disk 176, and a second drum fourth disk 178.

The first pressure plate 140 includes a first pressure plate forward surface 180 and a first pressure plate rearward surface 182. The first hub first disk 142 includes a first hub first disk forward surface 184 and a first hub first disk rearward surface 186. The first hub second disk 144 includes a first hub second disk forward surface 188 and a first hub second disk rearward surface 190. The first hub third disk 146 includes a first hub third disk forward surface 192 and a first hub third disk rearward surface 194. The first reaction plate 148 includes a first reaction plate forward surface 196 and a first reaction plate rearward surface 198.

The second pressure plate 150 includes a second pressure plate forward surface 200 and a second pressure plate rearward surface 202. The second hub first disk 152 includes a second hub first disk forward surface 204 and a second hub first disk rearward surface 206. The second hub second disk 154 includes a second hub second disk forward surface 208 and a second hub second disk rearward surface 210. The second hub third disk 156 includes a second hub third disk forward surface 212 and a second hub third disk rearward surface 214. The second reaction plate 158 includes a second reaction plate forward surface 216 and a second reaction plate rearward surface 218.

The first drum first disk 162 includes a first drum first disk forward surface 220 and a first drum first disk rearward surface 222. The first drum second disk 164 includes a first drum second disk forward surface 224 and a first drum second disk rearward surface 226. The first drum third disk 166 includes a first drum third disk forward surface 228 and a first drum third disk rearward surface 230. The first drum fourth disk 168 includes a first drum fourth disk forward surface 232 and a first drum fourth disk rearward surface 234.

The second drum first disk 172 includes a second drum first disk forward surface 240 and a second drum first disk rearward surface 242. The second drum second disk 174 includes a second drum second disk forward surface 244 and a second drum second disk rearward surface 246. The second drum third disk 176 includes a second drum third disk forward surface 248 and a second drum third disk rearward surface 250. The second drum fourth disk 178 includes a second drum fourth disk forward surface 252 and a second drum fourth disk rearward surface 254.

The first piston assembly 114 includes an annular first apply plate 260, an annular first piston 262, an annular first return spring 264. The first piston 262 includes a first piston reaction surface 266 and a first piston apply surface 268. The second piston assembly 116 includes an annular second apply plate 270, an annular second piston 272, an annular second return spring 274. The second piston 272 includes a second piston reaction surface 276 and a second piston apply surface 278. The clutch hub portion 106, the first apply plate 260 and the first piston 262 define an annular first piston chamber 280. The clutch hub portion 106, the second apply plate 270 and the second piston 272 define an annular second piston chamber 282. The first piston assembly 114 and the second piston assembly 116 include annular piston seals 290 for sealing the piston chambers 280, 282. In the embodiment illustrated, the first return spring 264 is axially restrained by a first piston retaining ring 292 and a first hub retaining ring 294. The second return spring 274 is axially restrained by a second piston retaining ring 296 and a second hub retaining ring 298.

The clutch collar 104 supplies fluid to the clutch hub portion 106, which supplies fluid to the first piston assembly 114, the second piston assembly 116, and the clutch disks as discussed in greater detail below. The clutch hub portion 106 includes a first piston chamber port 300, a second piston chamber port 302, a first clutch cooling port 304, and a second clutch cooling port 306. The clutch collar 104 is adapted to supply a cooling fluid (not shown) to the ports 300, 302, 304, 306 and control the pressure thereof, as is conventionally known.

The clutch hub portion 106 is further defined by a central web 310, an annular first balance chamber wall 312, a cylindrical first balance chamber connecting wall 314, a second balance chamber wall 316, and a cylindrical second balance chamber connecting wall 318. The first piston 262, the first balance chamber wall 312, and the first balance chamber connecting wall 314 define a first balance chamber 320. The clutch hub portion 106 is also defined by a first coolant passage 322, a first reservoir 324, a first cooling first inlet 326, a first cooling second inlet 328, a first cooling third inlet 330, and a first cooling fourth inlet 332. The second piston 272, the second balance chamber wall 314, and the second balance chamber connecting wall 316 define a second balance chamber 340. The clutch hub portion 106 is also defined by a second coolant passage 342, a second reservoir 344, a second cooling first inlet 346, a second cooling second inlet 348, a second cooling third inlet 350, and a second cooling fourth inlet 352.

When As the main clutch assembly 28 rotates, the damper 102, the clutch collar 104, the clutch hub portion 106, the first clutch drum 108, the second clutch drum 110, the main clutch drum 112, the first piston assembly 114, and the second piston assembly 116. As the main clutch assembly 28 rotates about the axis A-A (FIG. 3), fluid supplied through the ports 300, 302, 304, 306 will tend to rotate with the main clutch assembly 28 and will be accelerated away from the axis A-A. As fluid present within the first piston chamber 280 and the second piston chamber 282 is accelerated away from the axis A-A, the fluid will bias the respective piston 262, 272 away from the respective apply plate 260, 270 and act against the biasing force of springs 264, 274. Additionally, the fluid supplied through the ports 304, 306 will fill the balance chambers 320, 340 while excess fluid from ports 304, 306 will flow through cooing inlets 326, 328, 330, 332, 346, 348, 350, 352 and cool the clutch frictional surfaces 180, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254.

Specifically, fluid that flows through the first cooling first inlet 326 will contact and cool the surfaces 180, 220, 222, and 186. Fluid that flows through the first cooling second inlet 328 will contact and cool the surfaces 184, 190, 224 and 226. Fluid that flows through the first cooling third inlet 330 will contact and cool the surfaces 188, 194, 228 and 230. Fluid that flows through the first cooling fourth inlet 332 will contact and cool the surfaces 192, 198, 232, and 234.

When fluid pressure is supplied through the first piston chamber port 300, the first piston 262 will move in the forward direction (illustrated as the arrow F in FIGS. 3 and 4) as the first apply plate 260 remains generally stationary relative to the clutch hub portion 106. The first return spring 264 is axially deflected due to interference between the first piston retaining ring 292 and the first hub retaining ring 294 as the first piston 262 moves in the direction F, biasing the first piston in the direction of arrow R. As the first piston 262 moves in the direction F, the first piston will move toward the first balance chamber wall 312 and reduce the volume of the first balance chamber 320. Generally, the volume of fluid that is forced into the first piston chamber 280 is equal to the volume of fluid that is displaced from the first balance chamber, thereby maintaining the rotational weight and the rotational inertia of the main clutch assembly 28.

As fluid flows through the first coolant passage 322 and the first reservoir 324, the fluid will flow through either the first cooling first inlet 326, the first cooling second inlet 328, the first cooling third inlet 330, or the first cooling fourth inlet 332. The inventors have discovered that the contacting frictional surfaces 180, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254 of the main clutch assembly 28 may experience differing amounts of heat buildup during operation. The differing amounts of heat buildup, determined by measuring or estimating temperatures at the surfaces, may be due to the structural configurations of the disks, the materials used, and/or the amounts of cooling fluid that are directed to the surfaces. The resulting frictional forces on many frictional surfaces will vary with the temperature of the surfaces. Therefore, the efficiency of a clutch pack may degrade as the temperatures of frictional surfaces of the clutch pack vary by larger amounts. To reduce the amount of temperature variation, a greater volume of fluid is directed to the frictional surfaces that are determined to be operating at higher temperatures.

In one embodiment, the effective flow areas for fluid provided by the cooling inlets 326, 328, 330, 332 are sized to provide a desired relative flow of fluid during operation based upon measured or estimated operating temperatures of the contacting frictional surfaces. That is, for example, if the temperature of the surfaces 180, 220, 222, and 186 were determined to be greater than the remainder of the contacting frictional surfaces of the first clutch C1 by a predetermined amount, then the first cooling first inlet 326 would be enlarged to provide a larger fluid flow area than cooling inlets 328, 330, and 332. The predetermined amount may be, for example, 45 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).

In another exemplary embodiment, the temperatures of at least a portion of the surfaces 180, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232, 234, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254 of the main clutch assembly 28 are measured during operation, and valves, or other devices are utilized to increase or decrease the amount of fluid flow through at least a portion of the inlets 326, 328, 330, 332, 346, 348, 350, and 352.

As best seen in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first cooling first inlet 326 is defined by a diameter D1, the first cooling second inlet 328 is defined by a diameter D2, the first cooling third inlet 330 is defined by a diameter D3, and the first cooling fourth inlet 332 is defined by a diameter D4. The diameter D1 determines the effective fluid flow area A1 for the first cooling first inlet 326, the diameter D2 determines the effective fluid flow area A2 for the first cooling second inlet 328, the diameter D3 determines the effective fluid flow area A3 for the first cooling third inlet 330, and the diameter D4 determines the effective fluid flow area A4 for the first cooling fourth inlet 332. In the embodiment illustrated, the diameter D1 is greater than the diameter D2 and the diameter D3, and therefore the area A1 is greater than the area A2 and the area A3. Additionally, the diameter D4 is smaller than the diameter D2 and the area A4 is smaller than the area A2.

While the cooling inlets 326, 328, 330, and 332 are illustrated as having generally circular diameters, the cooling inlets 326, 328, 330, and 332 may have any geometry that affords an effective fluid flow area for fluid to pass therethrough. As best seen in FIG. 3, the flywheel 46 supplies torque to the clutch hub portion 106 through the damper 102 and the main clutch drum 112. The clutch hub portion 106 will supply torque to either shaft 40 or shaft 42, depending upon which piston assembly 114, 116 is actuated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of operating the system 20 where the effective flow areas of the cooling inlets may be varied by a valve. In step 400, temperatures of the friction surfaces of a clutch, such as the first clutch C1 are determined. In step 410, the determined temperatures are compared to determine if any temperature differences exceed a predetermined value. If the predetermined value is exceeded by the determined temperature variations, then the method proceeds to step 420. If the predetermined value is not exceeded by the determined temperature variations, then the method proceeds to step 430. In step 420, the effective area of any cooling inlet that supplies fluid to the friction surfaces experiencing the determined temperatures that exceeded the minimum measured temperature by the predetermined amount is increased. In step 430, a generally uniform amount of fluid is supplied through each cooling inlet. Accordingly, the effective flow areas may be changed during clutch operation.

In an alternative method of operating the system 20, the effective flow areas of the cooling inlets may be varied by machining the cooling inlets to differing dimensions after the clutch has been tested with temperatures of the friction surfaces determined during the testing. While this alternative method would not permit altering the cooling flow volumes through the cooling inlets during operation, the friction surfaces that experience higher operating temperatures would be cooled with a greater volume fluid flow, thereby providing a clutch pack that operates at a more uniform temperature gradient.

As best seen in FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the main clutch assembly 28 is illustrated as a main clutch assembly 428. The main clutch assembly 428 includes and a generally cylindrical torque transfer drum 490 a housing 500, a torque member 502, a clutch collar 504, a clutch hub portion 506, a first clutch drum 508, a second clutch drum 510, a damper portion 512, a first piston assembly 514, and a second piston assembly 516. The clutch hub portion 506 may operate as a rotating manifold for directing fluid toward the clutches C1′ and C2′, as discussed in greater detail |below|_([MBS1]).

The housing 500 is connected to a portion of the transmission 24 (FIG. 1) and the prime mover 22 (FIG. 1). In the embodiment illustrated, the damper portion 512 includes a lubricated noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) damper for reducing at least undesired drive train torque oscillations and other vibrations. The clutch hub portion 506 includes a first clutch hub 518 and a second clutch hub 520. The first clutch hub 518 is coupled to the second clutch hub 520 and an inner portion of the torque member 502 for rotation therewith. The damper portion 512 is coupled to the torque transfer drum 490, which is coupled to a portion of the torque member 502 for rotation therewith. The damper portion 512 is also coupled to an output portion 446 of the prime mover 22. The output portion 446 may be various devices, including a flywheel or crankshaft.

In the embodiment illustrated, the first clutch hub 518 includes a plurality of annular first hub disks 522 splined with the first clutch hub 518 and extending radially |therefrom|_([MBS2]). The second clutch hub 520 includes a plurality of annular second hub disks 524 splined with the second clutch hub 520 and extending radially therefrom. The first clutch drum 508 includes a plurality of annular first drum disks 528 splined therewith and extending radially therefrom. The second clutch drum 510 includes a plurality of annular second drum disks 530 splined therewith and extending radially therefrom. The first hub disks 522 are interleaved with the first drum disks 528, and the second hub disks 524 are interleaved with the second drum disks 530, as described in greater detail below.

FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged portion of the main clutch assembly 428 of FIG. 7. As best seen in FIG. 8, the first hub disks 522 include a first pressure plate 540, a first hub first disk 542, a first hub second disk 544, a first hub third disk 546, and a first reaction plate 548. The second hub disks 524 include a second pressure plate 550, a second hub first disk 552, a second hub second disk 554, a second hub third disk 556, and a second reaction plate 558. The first drum disks 528 include a first drum first disk 562, a first drum second disk 564, a first drum third disk 566, and a first drum fourth disk 568. The second drum disks 530 include a second drum first disk 572, a second drum second disk 574, a second drum third disk 576, and a second drum fourth disk 578.

The first pressure plate 540 includes a first pressure plate forward surface 580 and a first pressure plate rearward surface 582. The first hub first disk 542 includes a first hub first disk forward surface 584 and a first hub first disk rearward surface |586|_([MBS3]). The first hub second disk 544 includes a first hub second disk forward surface 588 and a first hub second disk rearward surface 590. The first hub third disk 546 includes a first hub third disk forward surface 592 and a first hub third disk rearward surface 594. The first reaction plate 548 includes a first reaction plate forward surface 596 and a first reaction plate rearward surface 598.

The second pressure plate 550 includes a second pressure plate forward surface 600 and a second pressure plate rearward surface 602. The second hub first disk 552 includes a second hub first disk forward surface 604 and a second hub first disk rearward surface 606. The second hub second disk 554 includes a second hub second disk forward surface 608 and a second hub second disk rearward surface 610. The second hub third disk 556 includes a second hub third disk forward surface 612 and a second hub third disk rearward surface 614. The second reaction plate 558 includes a second reaction plate forward surface 616 and a second reaction plate rearward surface 618.

The first drum first disk 562 includes a first drum first disk forward surface 620 and a first drum first disk rearward surface 622. The first drum second disk 564 includes a first drum second disk forward surface 624 and a first drum second disk rearward surface 626. The first drum third disk 566 includes a first drum third disk forward surface 628 and a first drum third disk rearward surface 630. The first drum fourth disk 568 includes a first drum fourth disk forward surface 632 and a first drum fourth disk rearward surface 634.

The second drum first disk 572 includes a second drum first disk forward surface 640 and a second drum first disk rearward surface 642. The second drum second disk 574 includes a second drum second disk forward surface 644 and a second drum second disk rearward surface 646. The second drum third disk 576 includes a second drum third disk forward surface 648 and a second drum third disk rearward surface 650. The second drum fourth disk 578 includes a second drum fourth disk forward surface 652 and a second drum fourth disk rearward surface 654.

The first piston assembly 514 includes an annular first piston 662, and an annular first return spring 664. The first piston 662 includes a first piston reaction surface 666 and a first piston apply surface 668. The second piston assembly 516 includes an annular second apply plate 670, an annular second piston 672, an annular second return spring 674. In one embodiment, the second apply plate 670 extends from the clutch collar 504. The second piston 672 includes a second piston reaction surface 676 and a second piston apply surface 678. The clutch hub portion 506, the torque member 502 and the first piston 662 define an annular first piston chamber 680. The second apply plate 670 and the second piston 672 define an annular second piston chamber 682. The first piston assembly 514 and the second piston assembly 516 include annular piston seals 690 for sealing the piston chambers 680, 682.

The clutch collar 504 supplies fluid to the clutch hub portion 506, which supplies fluid to the first piston assembly 514, the second piston assembly 516, and the clutch disks as discussed in greater detail below. The clutch collar may be a composite bushing that is press fit into both the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520. This press fit may couple the first rotating manifold 518 to the second rotating manifold 520 for rotation therewith. The first rotating manifold 518 includes a generally annular first balance portion 692. The second rotating manifold 520 includes a generally annular second balance portion 694.

The first rotating manifold 518 includes a first piston chamber port 700 and a first clutch cooling port 702. The second rotating manifold 520 includes a second piston chamber port 704, and a second clutch cooling port 706. The clutch collar 504 is adapted to supply a cooling fluid (not shown) to the ports 700, 702, 704, 706, as is conventionally known.

The first rotating manifold 518 is further defined by a first central web 708, a generally cylindrical first disk engaging portion 710, and a generally cylindrical first inner hub portion 712. The second rotating manifold 520 is further defined by a second central web 714, a generally cylindrical second disk engaging portion 716, and a generally cylindrical second inner hub portion 718. The first piston 662 and the first balance portion 692 define a first balance chamber 720. The first rotating manifold 518 is also defined by a first coolant passage 722, a first reservoir 724, a first cooling first inlet 726, a first cooling second inlet 728, a first cooling third inlet 730, and a first cooling fourth inlet 732. The second piston 672 and the second balance portion 694 define a second balance chamber 740. The second rotating manifold 520 is defined by a second coolant passage 742, a second reservoir 744, a second cooling first inlet 746, a second cooling second inlet 748, a second cooling third inlet 750, and a second cooling fourth inlet 752. Fluid may enter the balance chambers 720, 740 only as the fluid flows away from the axis B-B and fluid may exit the balance chambers 720, 740 only as the fluid flows toward the axis B-|B|_([MBS4]).

In the embodiment illustrated, the first return spring 664 exerts an axial force on the first central web 708 to bias the first piston 662 generally in the direction of the arrow F. The second return spring 674 exerts an axial force on the second central web 714 to bias the second piston 672 generally in the direction of the arrow S. While the springs 664, 674 are illustrated as helical springs, the springs 664, 674 may be any suitable shape.

The torque member 502 includes a lower web portion 780, a first interconnecting portion 782, a central web portion 784, a second interconnecting portion 786, and an outer web portion 788. The lower web portion 780 of the torque member 502 is positioned radially within a portion of the first clutch C1′ and radially within a portion of the first piston 662. In the embodiment illustrated, the lower web portion 780 of the torque member 502 is positioned radially within the first disk engaging portion 710.

As best seen in FIG. 9, the clutch hub portion 506 includes the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 coupled for rotation. As mentioned above, the first rotating manifold 518 includes the first central web 708, the generally cylindrical first disk engaging portion 710, and the generally cylindrical first inner hub portion 712. The first disk engaging portion 710 includes a first outer splined surface 800 for rotationally interconnecting the first rotating manifold 518 with the first hub disks 522. The first inner hub portion 712 includes a first connecting portion 802 for interconnecting the first rotating manifold 518 with the lower web portion 780 of the torque member 502.

As mentioned above, the second rotating manifold 520 includes the second central web 714, the generally cylindrical second disk engaging portion 716, and the generally cylindrical second inner hub portion 718. The second disk engaging portion 716 includes a second outer splined surface 806 for rotationally interconnecting the second rotating manifold 520 with the second hub disks 524. The second inner hub portion 718 includes a second connecting portion 808 for interconnecting the second rotating manifold 520 with the second apply plate 670. The first piston 662 is partially interposed radially within the first disk engaging portion 710.

The central web 708 of the first rotating manifold 518 includes a first end surface 820 having a plurality of first central web extensions 822 extending therefrom and a plurality of first central web apertures 824 formed therein. The second rotating manifold 520 includes a second end surface 830 having a plurality of second central web extensions 832 extending therefrom and a plurality of second central web apertures 834 formed therein. As best seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 11, and 12, when the first rotating manifold 518 is coupled to the second rotating manifold 520, the first end surface 820 abuts the second end surface 830 as the first central web extensions 822 extend into the second central web apertures 834 and the second central web extensions 832 extend into the first central web apertures 824.

The first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 may be identical. That is, the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 may be formed in identical forming operations that produce essentially identical parts that are interchangeable, thus providing a commonality of parts for the clutch |428|_([MBS5]). Further, the manufacturing techniques to form the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 may be less complicated than a process that produces a single clutch hub, such as the clutch hub 106. Further, the manufacturing process for the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 may include casting and machining in a common process. Additionally, the first rotating manifold 518 and the second rotating manifold 520 may not have identical dimensions during assembly and use and thus are dissimilar.

As the main clutch assembly 428 rotates, the drum 490, the torque member 502, the clutch collar 504, the clutch hub portion 506, the damper portion 512, the first piston assembly 514, and the second piston assembly 516 rotate. At least one of the first clutch drum 508, and the second clutch drum 510 may rotate, as described in greater detail herein. As the main clutch assembly 428 rotates about the axis B-B (FIG. 7), fluid supplied through the ports 700, 702, 704, 706 will tend to rotate with the main clutch assembly 428 and will be accelerated away from the axis B-B. As fluid present within the first piston chamber 680 is accelerated away from the axis B-B, the fluid will bias the first piston 662 away from the web portion 780. Similarly, the fluid within the second piston chamber 682 will bias the second piston 672 away from the second apply plate 670, thereby acting against the biasing force of springs 664, 674. Additionally, the fluid supplied through the ports 702, 706 will fill the balance chambers 720, 740 while excess fluid from ports 702, 706 will flow through cooling inlets 726, 728, 730, 732, 746, 748, 750, 752 and cool the clutch frictional surfaces 580, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 640, 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654.

Specifically, fluid that flows through the first cooling first inlet 726 will contact and cool the surfaces 580, 620, 622, and 586. Fluid that flows through the first cooling second inlet 728 will contact and cool the surfaces 584, 590, 624 and 626. Fluid that flows through the first cooling third inlet 730 will contact and cool the surfaces 588, 594, 628 and 630. Fluid that flows through the first cooling fourth inlet 732 will contact and cool the surfaces 592, 598, 632, and 634.

When fluid pressure is supplied through the first piston chamber port 700, the first piston 662 will move toward the direction S as the lower web portion 780 remains generally stationary relative to the first rotating manifold 518. The first return spring 664 is axially deflected as the first piston 662 moves in the direction S. As the first piston 662 moves in the direction S, the first piston 662 will move toward the first central web 708 and reduce the volume of the first balance chamber 720. Generally, the volume of fluid that is forced into the first piston chamber 680 is equal to the volume of fluid that is displaced from the first balance chamber 720, thereby maintaining the rotational weight and the rotational inertia of the main clutch assembly 428 generally constant.

As fluid flows through the first coolant passage 722 and the first reservoir 724, the fluid will flow through either the first cooling first inlet 726, the first cooling second inlet 728, the first cooling third inlet 730, or the first cooling fourth inlet 732. The contacting frictional surfaces 580, 584, 586, 588, 590, 592, 594, 596, 598, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, 624, 626, 628, 630, 632, 634, 640, 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652, 654 of the main clutch assembly 428 may experience differing amounts of heat buildup during operation. The differing amounts of heat buildup, determined by measuring or estimating temperatures at the surfaces, may be due to the structural configurations of the disks, the materials used, and/or the amounts of cooling fluid are directed to the surfaces. The resulting frictional forces on many frictional surfaces will vary with the temperature of the surfaces. Therefore, the efficiency of a clutch pack may degrade as the temperatures of frictional surfaces of the clutch pack vary by larger amounts. To reduce the amount of temperature variation, a greater volume of fluid is directed to the frictional surfaces that are determined to be operating at higher temperatures.

Although the steps of the method of cooling the system 20 are listed in a preferred order, the steps may be performed in differing orders or combined such that one operation may perform multiple steps. Furthermore, a step or steps may be initiated before another step or steps are completed, or a step or steps may be initiated and completed after initiation and before completion of (during the performance of) other steps.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. The scope of the invention is limited solely by the following claims. 

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A clutch apparatus comprising: a clutch pack including a plurality of friction disks having friction surfaces, the clutch pack including a plurality of cooling inlets, wherein the clutch pack selectively transfers torque from a torque supplying member to a torque receiving member; a rotating manifold having at least a first cooling port for directing a cooling fluid to the clutch pack, wherein at least a portion of the rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the friction disks; and wherein a fluid-flow area of at least a subset of the plurality of cooling inlets is dissimilar from other of the plurality of cooling inlets for enabling a desired fluid flow to the friction disks.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of cooling inlets is configured to increase in response to one of the corresponding friction disk friction surfaces operating at a higher temperature relative to the remainder of the plurality of friction disk friction surfaces.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of the plurality of cooling inlets increases in response to at least one of the corresponding friction disks exceeding a predetermined temperature.
 24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the plurality of cooling inlets is defined by an adjustable diameter for each cooling inlet configured to provide the desired fluid-flow to the friction disks.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the adjustable diameter determines an effective fluid-flow area for the corresponding cooling inlets such that enlarging the diameter increases the fluid-flow area.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the adjustable diameters of the plurality of cooling inlets enlarge in response to at least one of the corresponding friction disks friction surfaces exceeding the predetermined temperature.
 27. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one of the adjustable diameters enlarge in response to the corresponding friction disk friction surfaces operating at a higher predetermined temperature than the other friction disk friction surfaces.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one cooling inlet adjustable diameter retracts in response to the corresponding friction disk friction surfaces stabilizing temperature with respect to the other friction disk friction surfaces.
 29. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of the plurality of cooling inlets is permanently adjusted to differ in dimension from the other plurality of cooling inlets.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of cooling inlets is sized in response to the friction disk friction surfaces temperature.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein at least the subset of the plurality of cooling inlets includes a greater fluid-flow area in response to the corresponding friction disk friction surfaces operating at a higher temperature than the other friction disk friction surfaces.
 32. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising: a second clutch pack including a plurality of second friction disks having friction surfaces, the second clutch pack including a plurality of second cooling inlets, wherein the second clutch pack selectively transfers torque from the torque supplying member to a second torque receiving member; and a second rotating manifold having a second cooling port for directing a cooling fluid to the second clutch pack, wherein at least a portion of the second rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the second friction disks.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a balance chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of first and second friction disks via the first and second cooling inlets, the first cooling inlets having a first predetermined flow area, the second cooling inlet having a second predetermined flow area, and wherein the first predetermined flow area is larger than the second predetermined flow area.
 34. A clutch apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a first clutch pack including a plurality of first friction disks having friction surfaces, the first friction disks having corresponding first cooling inlets, wherein the first clutch pack selectively transfers torque from a torque supplying member to a first torque receiving member; a second clutch pack including a plurality of second friction disks having friction surfaces, the second friction disks having corresponding second cooling inlets, wherein the second clutch pack selectively transfers torque from the torque supplying member to a second torque receiving member; a first rotating manifold having a first cooling port for directing a cooling fluid to the first clutch pack, wherein at least a portion of the first rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the first friction disks; a second rotating manifold having a second cooling port for directing a cooling fluid to the second clutch pack, wherein at least a portion of the second rotating manifold is coupled for rotation with at least a portion of the second friction disks, the first rotating manifold and second rotating manifold being interchangeable; and wherein a fluid flow area of at least a subset of the plurality of first and second cooling inlets are dissimilar from the other plurality of first and second cooling inlets for enabling a desired fluid flow to the plurality of first and second friction disks.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of first and second cooling inlets are configured to increase in response to one of the corresponding first and second friction disk friction surfaces operating at a higher temperature relative to the remainder of the plurality of first and second friction disk friction surfaces.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least the subset of first and second cooling inlets increases in response to at least one of the corresponding first and second friction disk friction surfaces exceeding a predetermined temperature.
 37. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the plurality of first and second cooling inlets is defined by an adjustable diameter for each cooling inlet configured to provide the desired fluid-flow to the friction disks.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the adjustable diameter determines an effective fluid-flow area for the corresponding cooling inlets such that enlarging the adjustable diameter increases the fluid flow area.
 39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein each of the plurality of first and second cooling inlet adjustable diameters are dissimilar.
 40. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the fluid-flow area of at least one of the plurality of first and second inlets is permanently adjusted to differ in dimension from the other plurality of first and second cooling inlets. 